November 10, 2018

Brand MBA Takes Another Hit

Media outlets have already made it well known that applications to MBA programs are down. The Boston Globe documents that at a 1.8% decline in 2017.

But the emerging story now, reports the Boston Globe, is the 10.5% plunge in 2017 of applications from those outside the U.S.

The reason cited are the policies of the Trump Administration. Prospective students fear they will not be able to obtain visas to remain in the U.S. and work after they receive their degrees.

The implications are severe for graduate schools of business.

At the top of the list is the financial one. International students traditionally have made up about one-fifth of the MBA class and they pay full tuition. Downsize that and the university can be in financial trouble. Moody's is watching.

There is also the problem of reducing diversity in the classroom. International students provide real-life experience about conducting business in other kinds of environments. And, business - even the usually rigid of law - is increasingly global.

In addition, MBA domestic students will miss out on developing international networks through their relationships with foreign students. A major reason for enrolling in any professional program is to build those networks.

Deans of MBA programs have plenty of incentive to lobby the Trump Administration about more rational immigration policies.

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